Join Me For a Chat Today

We'll have an online discussion at 1 p.m. to talk about all of our local transportation issues and ideas. Whether you're looking for advice about getting around the Washington region or want to make a point about a transportation problem, meet me on this page.

If you'd like to submit a question or comment ahead of time, use this link.

You ended todays chat, with the following comment: In the nation's capital, we know we're a potential target -- we've known that for years. We have big events -- including inaugurations -- every year.

Where as The Washington region does have major events almost every weekend and some are yearly events: USMC marathon, Lighting of National Christmas tree, the G-8 Summit, we only have inaugurations ONCE every 4 years. NOT every year.

Dr. Gridlock, in your chat, you noted that, "Metro says it won't profile people. It will just pick people at random based on some PREARRANGED FORMULA, like stopping every 16th person." You also noted that Metro says "it's doing these random searches of your property to deter terrorist attacks by increasing the potential for detecting explosives or other hazardous material and to disrupt the ability of terrorists to DISCERN A PATTERN in security measures." (Emphases mine.)

Now look here, I may be a redneck and all, not too educated, but Metro's use of a formula, say every 16th person, is likely to be easily observable and DISCERNABLE by even a layperson who takes a minute to pay attention, let alone a would-be terrorist. Even if that formula changes daily, it is still likely to be used consistently for the entire shift by a specific person. People are creatures of habit. So spend 10 minutes watching and counting, and another 10 verifying the pattern you've deduced is correct and you, as a potential terrorist, are in the clear, especially if you have a scout in place. Does Metro think terrorists are stuipid? Does Metro THINK at all???? Shucks, even my 8th grade diploma has me figurin' out the loopholes in their strategy. What a waste of resources and an untenable request for Americans to give up rights incrementally and painlessly yet again.